Community Unites Over Football and Geopolitics
As the FIFA World Cup final approaches, the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn, affectionately known as 'Little Palestine,' is experiencing a unique blend of sporting enthusiasm and political sentiment. For many residents, the choice of which team to support in the championship match between Spain and Argentina extends beyond mere athletic preference, deeply intertwining with international political positions, particularly concerning the Palestinian cause.
Zein Rimawi, a 72-year-old local and chair of the Arab American Federation, encapsulates this perspective. Despite not being an ardent football fan, Rimawi quickly declared his support for Spain in the final. He emphasized that for him, and many in the community, sports cannot be detached from politics. Rimawi explained that his allegiance lies with nations that openly support causes important to his community, especially the Palestinian cause. This viewpoint is widely shared across the diverse Arab American community in Bay Ridge, where Palestinian symbols like flags, keffiyeh patterns, and watermelon imagery are prominently displayed throughout the neighborhood.
Spain's Stance Resonates with Fans
Spain’s recent recognition of the State of Palestine in 2024 and its vocal criticism of the conflict in Gaza have made it a favored team among many Arab fans. Talal Abdraboh, owner of Al Reef Bakery, echoed Rimawi's sentiments, highlighting Spain's historical and contemporary support for Palestinians. Abdraboh noted that the deep cultural ties, including the centuries-long Arab presence in Andalusia, further endear Spain to the community. He clarified that their support for Spain is not rooted in animosity towards Argentina, but rather a preference for any non-Arab team that demonstrates solidarity with their cause. The bakery itself features murals of significant Palestinian landmarks and poetry, reflecting the strong cultural identity within the community.
The World Cup has been more than just a football tournament for these residents; it has served as a platform for political expression and community solidarity. Abdraboh observed that the Arab community was particularly engaged when Arab teams participated, with fans consistently waving Palestinian flags to show collective support. The 2026 tournament saw a record eight Arab teams, with Morocco advancing impressively to the quarterfinals and Egypt reaching the round of 16 before a controversial exit against Argentina.
Football as a Catalyst for Unity
Mahmoud Kasem, proprietor of Al-Aqsa Bakery, exemplified the community spirit by installing a large television screen outside his restaurant and offering complimentary falafel during significant matches involving Arab teams. This initiative drew crowds from across Bay Ridge, fostering a vibrant, unified atmosphere reminiscent of celebrations in Palestine. Kasem expressed his desire to transcend business, aiming to create a space where Palestinians, Lebanese, Moroccans, Jordanians, and other communities could gather and celebrate their shared heritage and love for the game. He articulated a hope that Arab leaders might draw inspiration from this diaspora unity, working towards dissolving borders and conflicts.
Kasem also mentioned successfully navigating complaints from police about his street-side viewing parties by invoking the spirit of community celebrations, such as those seen when the New York Knicks won the NBA championship. Like many in Bay Ridge, Kasem is rooting for Spain, citing not only the Spanish government's political stance but also the cultural, linguistic, and musical similarities between Arab and Spanish traditions. He praised Spain for taking a stand on humanitarian issues, emphasizing their support when Palestine and Lebanon faced crises. Kasem also pointed out that many Palestinians traditionally support Spanish club teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona, and noted the solidarity expressed by Spanish celebrities and footballers, including Athletic Club and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, who waved a Palestinian flag during a recent La Liga title celebration.
The Intersection of Sport and Politics
The debate over whether politics should influence sports is also prevalent. Kasem argued that FIFA itself has politicized the sport through actions like awarding its inaugural Peace Prize to a former US President and suspending Russia while not taking similar action against Israel. Meanwhile, some fans perceive a connection between the Argentinian team and pro-Israel policies, particularly due to the stance of Argentina's President Javier Milei and expressions of support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli flags were reportedly seen during Argentina’s match against Egypt, further fueling these perceptions.
However, the Argentinian team and its players have not officially taken a political stance on the conflict. In 2018, Argentina notably canceled a friendly match with Israel following pressure from Palestinian rights activists. Consequently, some Arab Americans continue to support Argentina, drawn by the unparalleled talent of Lionel Messi, which they believe transcends political considerations. Karim Bouzeraa, a 24-year-old barber in Bay Ridge, dismissed the notion that Israeli flags represent Argentinian football, underscoring Messi’s legendary status and enduring career. Bouzeraa concluded by expressing his admiration for the unity displayed by Arab fans throughout the tournament, hoping for continued strong representation of Arab teams in future World Cups. The World Cup final in Bay Ridge, therefore, is not merely a sporting event but a complex tapestry of identity, politics, and community solidarity.
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